Let's face it, everyone was worried about John Mayer filling the large shoes of Jerry Garcia--not because Mayer lacks the talent, but because who could really replace the late Garcia? Deadheads quickly realized Thursday night during Dead & Company's inaugural tour date at Albany's Times Union Center that Mayer was the right guy for the job.The grammy winning singer-songwriter displayed his chops while kicking off the tour and performing alongside the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart along with the assistance of The Allman Brothers Band's Oteil Burbridge and Ratdog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti.
Warming up for the two-night stint and New York City's Madison Square Garden, Dead & Company opened with "Playing in the Band," which included a segueway into "Cold Rain and Snow," quickly putting fan's worries to rest. If Garcia couldn't be there himself, Mayer did in fact bring justice to the deadhead community with his own bluesy flair paired with reminiscent licks of the bearded guitarist.
Weir's vocals led the renowned Garcia/Hunter track "Tennessee Jed," while "Feel Like A Stranger" had emotion from the crowd sweeping over the entire arena. Weir and Mayer traded verses back and fourth on "He's Gone" before solidifying a nearly perfect first gig with "Bird Song," Billboard notes. The track's extended jam session allowed Mayer to shine just ahead of an electrifying version of "The Music Never Stopped," which closed out the first 80-minute set.
The second set brought on the famed trio of "Help On The Way," "Slipknot!" and "Franklin's Tower" -- garnering the most excited uproar from the audience. Forgetting the awkward 20 seconds transitioning into "Franklin's Tower," the medley was executed almost flawlessly, as Jambase reports. Kreutzmann and Hart stole the show during a drum segment, which saw layer upon layer of textured beats and samples they were creating on the spot. A Weir-led line-up of "Stella Blue," "Not Fade Away" and an encore of "Touch of Grey" closed out Dead & Company's first gig, which showcased a huge skull behind the stage, fully equipped with flashing lights and trippy visuals.
The group will continue "Truckin'" on their North American tour with two Madison Square Garden stops next on the list.
